Regulatory reform that will anger Republicans and make the unions happy. A win-win.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Labor regulators are proposing sweeping new rules that would dramatically speed up the time frame for union elections, a move that could make it easier for struggling unions to organize new members, and cut the time businesses have to mount anti-union campaigns.
The National Labor Relations Board announced the new rules on Tuesday, saying the current rules build in unnecessary delays and encourage wasteful litigation.
The proposal is expected to irritate Republicans and business groups who have complained about the board's pro-labor actions.
Most labor elections currently take place within 45-60 days after a union gathers enough signatures to file a petition, a time many companies use to discourage workers from unionizing. The new plan could cut that time by days or even weeks - depending on the case - by simplifying procedures, deferring litigation and setting shorter deadlines for hearings and filings. [….]
[….] Passage would be a victory for labor unions that have long complained about employers using procedural delays and litigation to hold up elections and intimidate workers. Some employers hire so-called "union busting" consulting firms to produce videotapes, draft talking points or create brochures to deter unionizing.
AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka praised the plan, calling it "a common sense approach to clean up an outdated system."
Recent Comments